Indianapolis welcomes Houston to the Drum

Texans @ Colts Game Preview

This is what the Monday night showdown should look like; Houston who defeated Indianapolis in the first game of the season is looking to take complete control by going into Indy and getting a big win. For Indianapolis they are looking to continue the roll after their bye week but Houston comes calling and this is a must win and a big divisional game. This is what it should look like but Indy has been hit with the injury bug with big injuries to Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, Bob Sanders, etc… the Colts will look for the next man up to be the man to step up. As we all know when #18 is behind center they will always have a shot and a very good one. Manning has been efficient to say the least only throwing two interceptions this season and he is already in double digits for touchdown passes. No matter the injuries this is still a huge game and it is fitting that it will be on the Monday night stage.

Keys to the Game:

Indianapolis offense

Houston rushing attack

This is one that is usually not the key because we all know that the Colts can put up points but with the rash of injuries on the offensive side of the ball there will be a sense of urgency for the those guys to step up. I believe that the bye week for Indianapolis is a real key here it gave time for them to work on the things with those players stepping in to the big stage of Monday night. If Indy is running on all cylinders credit the bye week for preparation and Peyton Manning for his winning attitude no matter the circumstances.

For Houston they will look to duplicate the rushing game they had in the first game of the season against these Colts. Arian Foster has proven that he is the real deal as he has ran wild this season for Houston but can he do it again on the Monday night stage. Houston of course has weapons like Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub but Foster will be the key if the running game is productive there will be no need to air it out.

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Key Match-ups:

Arian Foster vs. Indianapolis defensive front

Colts receivers vs. Houston defense

Foster had a hay day against the defensive front of Indy the first time they saw each other rushing for over 200 yards. Understand that the Colts defense will be looking to avenge that embarrassing effort and try to get in the backfield a lot more in this game. Foster will get his but how much will that be, if his gains are short look for that to allow the pass rush for the Colts to be effective.

With the injuries it will be important for these guys who are stepping up to know the assignments and to make sure they are where they need to be, we must remember the Colts still have Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon but fresh faces must play big. If there is any difficulty with the guys filling in look for the Houston defense to try and put Manning on the ground early and often. No doubt the Texans will be bringing the pressure, they just better hope they get there against the best in the game or he will pick them apart one play at a time.

Prediction:

If Houston is running the ball effectively and having nice gains of 4 and 5 yards that will spell trouble for Indianapolis, but if Indianapolis defense is ready to step up to the challenge and hold the running game to average gains and allow Freeney and Mathis to pin their ears back and get to Schaub no doubt it will be a long day for the Texans. Stated earlier in the article for the offense of the Colts they must take pressure off of Manning and that will be on Mike Hart as Addai is out and Brown is questionable. The key will also be the Colts are at home and that could be the biggest key of all. Look for the Colts to win this game but it will be close as Houston has improved and is looking to make the playoffs this season.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer